Playsuit Trend for 2012: Soft neutral shades, prints & bold colors - for day and night!

This trend goes by a few names - playsuit, romper, or even jumpsuit - call it what you will, it has become one of the must-have items this summer! Fashionistas have embraced playsuits for a while now, but with a new season full of colours, prints, and neutrals in an assortment of styles, there really is something for everyone now.

This playsuit trend is less casual, and a little more formal - you can even wear some of these to the office, as it definitely is an urban trend trend (think outside the beach!). If you have a chic silk playsuit, a sharp boyfriend blazer will make it very office appropriate (just watch the length, of course). Shapes and styles are quite simple this season, without too much fuss, but you can still make a statement here. From Topshop's crystal playsuit, Diane von Furstenberg's hooded printed jersey playsuit (shown here), or Rachel Zoe's playsuit with longer shorts (for a more elegant grown-up style). There is enough selection to accommodate everyone.

If you are new to the playsuit trend, make this more effective by choosing something totally opposite to your usual style. For example, if you wear a lot of black, choose a playsuit in a bright new season colour (you can wear black with it, but it won't look anything like the black mini dresses in your closet). Or if feminine dresses have always been your thing, now is the time for a minimalist neutral playsuit - whether it's crisp white, or soft cream, go for a modern and more masculine silhouette. Choosing a playsuit outside of your usual style will really make it pop!

It goes without saying that these can be dressed up and down - just check out Cat Deeley in Los Angeles last week - she wore her coral playsuit by Joseph with python strappy sandals and a constrasting cognac Jimmy Choo clutch. Great look.. and yes, you can buy her playsuit online as well!